Neither a borrower ___ a lender be

Unraveling the Mystery: “Neither a borrower ___ a lender be“

This week’s crossword puzzle threw me for a loop with a particularly tricky clue: “Neither a borrower ___ a lender be.” My brain immediately conjured up Shakespeare, but I was left scratching my head trying to recall the exact word that fit in the blank.

This clue is a classic example of how a familiar phrase can morph into a challenging crossword puzzle entry. It’s a reminder that even the most common sayings can become obscure when stripped of their context.

So, how do we tackle this seemingly simple yet elusive clue? Let’s delve into the world of wordplay and explore potential strategies for finding the missing piece.

First, we need to recognize the source of the quote. It’s a famous line from Shakespeare’s
Hamlet
, uttered by Polonius. This understanding provides a vital starting point, narrowing down the possible solutions.

Next, we should analyze the structure of the phrase. The phrase is a balanced construction, with “borrower” and “lender” mirroring each other. This suggests the missing word will also be grammatically symmetrical.

Finally, we need to consider the meaning of the phrase. Polonius’s advice implies avoiding both lending and borrowing, suggesting a connection to financial prudence or perhaps caution in interpersonal relationships.

With these insights, we can begin to sift through potential words that fit the blank. Remember, we’re looking for a word that:

Makes grammatical sense in the context of the quote

Fits the implied meaning of the phrase

Aligns with the symmetrical structure of the line

Armed with these tools, I’m confident you’ll be able to decipher this crossword clue. Good luck!

Available Answers:

Nor.

Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Daily Celebrity Crossword – 9/15/24 People Sunday